Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Pitchers and catchers rules

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I hear some coaches don't just have pitchers and catchers working out but every girl trying out. Does OHSAA accept the excuse that since positions havn't been assigned every girl is a possible pitcher and catcher? How you you justify having 30 pitchers and catchers? What about hitting and fielding practice going on during this timeframe? Could a coach doing this be in trouble with the OHSAA?

 

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Age old question, and not one you'll get consistent answers on (even from the OHSAA), but here's my take:

• Once pitchers and catchers report, they are permitted to receive any coaching or instruction the staff deem appropriate - this includes fielding and hitting.
  
• While I don't believe you'd ever convince anyone that all 30 girls are either potential pitchers or potential catchers, most coaches will tell you that the remaining girls are there for "open gym" or conditioning time, as tryouts during this time frame are not permitted. As long as these aren't required, and no coaching of these players is happening (outside of maintaining safety as a school representative), and attendance and performance at these are not factored in during the tryouts ( : ) the coach is on the "legal" side of the rules.

 

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What is the rule for an 8th grade catcher practicing with the high school team?

 

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Here is a previous thread that discussed 8th graders practicing with High School girls.

www.game-ex.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1167971648

Short answer: NO

 

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OHSAA BYLAWS 1-1-2. no. 7'th and 8'th graders may not practice no play with 9'th thru 12 graders. If you are caught ( The bear can correct me) it could cost her 1 year of eligibility.. This started 2-19, when pitchers and catchers are allowed to practice. Open gym is a different story. But open gym stopped for an 8'th grader on 2-19.

 

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Also forbidden in the General Sports Regulations:

GENERAL SPORTS REGULATIONS 2006-07
.....
40.3) 7th & 8th grade students may not practice with, participate on the same team with or
compete against 9th through 12th grade students.
40.4) Students below the 7th grade may not practice with or participate with 7th through 12th
grade students.